Joe diGenova, the veteran federal prosecutor overseeing a Justice Department investigation into whether former Obama- and Biden-era officials conspired against President Donald Trump, abruptly resigned Thursday as the probe appeared to be gaining momentum.
Attorney General Todd Blanche tapped diGenova in April to supervise the investigation, which is examining whether former law enforcement and intelligence officials improperly used federal agencies and investigations against Trump over the past decade.
DiGenova confirmed that he submitted his resignation Thursday afternoon but declined to explain his departure.
“It was an honor and a privilege to serve the president and the department,” diGenova said.
His wife, attorney Victoria Toensing, who has also worked with the federal prosecution team in Fort Pierce, Florida, is expected to leave the Justice Department on Friday.
The investigation has focused in part on the origins and handling of the Trump-Russia investigation and subsequent federal investigations involving Trump. No criminal charges have resulted from the broader inquiry to date.
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DiGenova told The Associated Press that prosecutors have evidence to support potential cases but cautioned against rushing the process.
“There’s plenty of evidence in all of these cases to prove the theories of prosecution,” diGenova said. “It just takes time to get there, and some people want to get there a little faster than others, and you can’t do that.”
His departure comes as the investigation has shown signs of accelerating. Prosecutors have issued new subpoenas seeking testimony before a federal grand jury in Florida, according to AP. ABC News reported that dozens of subpoenas have been issued over the past year, although the investigation has not produced criminal prosecutions.
ABC News reported that diGenova’s resignation followed frustration among Trump and senior Justice Department officials about the pace of the investigation. DiGenova did not publicly confirm that account, and the Justice Department declined to comment.
The 81-year-old diGenova previously served as U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia during the Reagan administration.
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